Learning how to heat your home efficiently saves money and improves comfort. Here are some simple tips to help you accomplish that goal.
Fix Drafts
Examine your home for cracks and holes and seal up the gaps. To locate drafts, wait for a windy day and use a small candle or incense stick. Move it around your door jams and windowsills to check whether the flame flickers or the smoke is affected by airflow. A home inspector who uses thermal imaging can also pinpoint areas where air is leaking. Use caulk to fill any holes. Apply new weatherstripping to all your doors. Look for gaps around electrical outlets and seal them. Keep the warm air from escaping through these areas to heat your home efficiently.
Don’t overlook pet doors in your home. It’s difficult to keep a pet door completely sealed. However, you can make a difference by installing a heavy plastic curtain on each side of the door.
Adjust the Water Heater to Heat Your Home Efficiently
Your water heater may be set too high, using too energy to maintain the temperature. As winter begins, set the thermostat to around 110 or 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an insulating blanket designed to help your water heater run more efficiently.
Keep Your Vents Clear
Don’t put drapes or furniture in front of vents when decorating your home. This forces your heater to work harder than it should. Keep the vents clear. Before using the heating system, vacuum the vents to clean out pet hair and dust. This will help the HVAC system work at maximum efficiency.
Replace Old Filters to Heat Your Home Efficiently
Replace the filter on your furnace every three months, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Schedule annual servicing of your HVAC system to have a professional check the system’s components and repair any damages.
Are Your Ceiling Fans Rotating the Right Way?
Check all your ceiling fans and make sure they’re rotating clockwise. Hot air rises and remains close to your ceilings. Running your fans clockwise helps move the warm air back down into the home. Using ceiling fans properly in the winter can help reduce heating costs by up to 15%.
Use the Sun to Heat Your Home Efficiently During Winter Months
If you have south-facing windows, open the curtains during the day so the sun can help warm up your home. Close them again at night to help insulate your home.
Keep the Thermostat Adjusted Correctly
Use a programmable thermostat to keep the temperature around 68°F when you are awake and lower it when you know you’ll be asleep or away. A lower temperature will help you save money on your heating bill.
Long Cove Inspections offers home inspections, including thermal imaging, to mid-coast Maine. Contact us to schedule our services.